Hollywood Boulevard placemaking
Phase 1: Mid-May 2007, Phase 2: Late 2007
It was confirmed at a presentation to Cast Members in January 2007 that the small street leading from Disney Bros. Plaza to Studio Tram Tour is to be enhanced with the addition of several new sets and facades, creating a faux movie-set 'Hollywood Boulevard' to add to the placemaking and area development of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Work has now begun. Phase 1 of construction will last until Mid-May 2007. Then, with the new Toon Studio area giving access to Studio Tram Tour, the rest of the street between Art of Disney Animation and the Tram Tour will close completely to allow the main works of the project to be completed.
Due for completion in November/December 2007, ready for the official opening of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror in January 2008.
In the extended future, beyond the opening of Tower of Terror, it is expected Production Courtyard will become known as 'Hollywood Studio' with further placemaking enhancements. This topic is for the current Hollywood Boulevard development.
» Photos from Hollywood Blvd. at Photos Magiques
» Hollywood Blvd. project tracker at WDSfans
» Hollywood Blvd. project guide and history at DLRP Magic
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Original post:
"Hollywood Studio" coming to Paris?
Peter Bell's intriguing new MiceAge article brings news not just about Toon Studios, but also the upcoming Production Courtyard makeover for the opening of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Whilst details on the exact changes and additions to the area are still sketchy, Bell does suggest one very viable rumour that the entire area could be renamed "Hollywood Studio" once the improvements are complete.
Disney has used the "Hollywood Studio" nametag recently to create a new sub-area of it's Hollywood Pictures Backlot land at Disney's California Adventure, and this new rumour about the name being transferred to Paris has quite a bit of weight behind it. With Animation Courtyard next door being renamed "Toon Studio", the new name would balance the naming of the parks lands as well as reinforce the theme and setting of The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror's Hollywood Tower Hotel. It could also draw together the current attractions into a more clearly defined theme.
As for what that theme will become once the "placemaking project" is complete, Bell suggests two options. The first would simply see "Hollywood Studios" become an expansion of the Tower of Terror forecourt, with palm trees, an ornamental fountain, art deco touches and extra seating. A brand new rumour, however, is that more radical plans could see Production Courtyard "transformed into a New York street set, with building facades erected around its circumference. Guests would not be able to see the attractions immediately, but would gain access by stepping through the sets into a faux backstage area. The attraction buildings themselves would receive some extra dressing to make them appear more like working sound stages." He goes on to comment that the sets would feature "an art deco feel, liberal amounts of neon, and plenty of fine detailing. If successful, the street set could even be extended beyond the Courtyard, starting at the exit to Studio 1 and running all the way to the Tram Tour station."
It is important to remember, however, that no decision has currently been made as to the direction the Production Courtyard retheme will take. The suggestion of a "Hollywood Studio" rename, though, seems a very likely option, whatever the final design choice.
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